21 April 2008 Seavington - Littlewindsor
Neil Harris: recorded his 200th winner at the meeting
Neil Harris rode his 200th winner (including wins under Rules) on Marias Rock in the Seavington Maiden on Sunday. "That was a classic Neil Harris ride", said Brompton Regis handler Camilla Scott, who trains the horse for Gary Lever. "Neil settles horses well, he gets them jumping and then he creeps steadily into contention". Gary, who bought Marias Rock privately from George Knight last summer, could not be present, but John Atkins and Brian Holford - two of Southwestern's enthusiastic group of owners - had travelled from Exmoor with specially commissioned plaques to record Neil's double century.
Senor Cid's Hunt race win was a real family occasion. "I've won the race before, but not in our Cobden family colours, although my sister Sally [Godfrey] has", said Long Sutton trainer-rider, Jane Reed. Equally proud was 86-year-old George Newman, who has hosted the Seavington Hunt opening meet for many years, and was delighted to see his granddaughter [Jane] and great-grandson, Josh Newman, finish first and third.
Gowna's Hope took the 2m 4f Maiden under a fine ride from Alex Charles-Jones, who bided his time before surging clear at the second last. "Seamus Mullins trained him and recommended that we bought him at Ascot last summer", said Figheldean owner-trainers, Stan and Sally Rawlins. Stan and Sally do a lot for West Country pointing, including organising the Ablington Challenge Charity Flat race at Larkhill in May (over £7,000 was raised for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance last year) and the winner returned to a rousing reception.
Rupert Tory rode his seventh career winner on Bush Park, who made virtually all in the Men's Open and fought back when headed by Callitwatulike (Will White) at the last. Owned and trained at Winterborne Whitechurch by Rupert's parents, Norman and Monica, Bush Park has run creditably against top-class opposition this season, so deserved to get his head in front.
Rimpton Boy won his sixth Littlewindsor race when Rachael Green produced him to head Tory Blue - who ran a fine race for Emma Tory - at the last in the Ladies' Open. The win took "Rimpton's" career tally to 28, possibly the highest score for current point-to-pointers, although Lonesome Boy's all-time record of 65 wins will surely never be challenged.
The Novice Riders' race went to Touch Closer (Phine Banks) who collared Baloo (James Ridley) right on the line. "It's a great thrill to see your granddaughter win on your own horse", smiled Pat Tollitt, one of the great lady riders who won 171 races from just 343 rides and notched six National Championships during her own career.
Owners Sally Hutchings and Mandy Hodges were keen to credit Kira Clark after Martin Pitchwood's Restricted win under in-form Tigga Barnes. "Kira has done all the work and all the schooling with this horse", said Brent Knoll-based Sally, "and we hope she'll be able to ride him in the Weston & Banwell Hunt race for us on May 14th".